🧬 Vet-Approved Guide to Puppy Strangles (Juvenile Cellulitis) – 2025 🐶

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Puppy strangles, also known as juvenile cellulitis or sterile granulomatous dermatitis and lymphadenitis, is a rare but dramatic autoimmune skin condition that affects puppies between 3 weeks and 6 months of age 🐾. It causes sudden facial swelling, painful skin lesions, and enlarged lymph nodes. While the condition can be alarming, it is highly treatable when recognized early 📈.

🔍 What Is Puppy Strangles?

Puppy strangles is an immune-mediated disease—meaning the puppy’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own skin and lymph nodes 🔥. It is not caused by infection, parasites, or bacteria, but it can lead to secondary infections.

🩺 Signs of Puppy Strangles

• 🧠 Sudden swelling of the muzzle, eyelids, and face
• 🧊 Enlarged lymph nodes (especially in the neck)
• 🔴 Pustules that rupture, bleed, and crust
• 🦻 Lesions on the inside of the ear flaps
• 🦵 Possible skin lesions on the body and paws
• 🤒 Fever, joint swelling, or loss of appetite in ~25% of cases

Lesions are painful but not usually itchy. Puppies often look like they’ve had an allergic reaction or been stung by insects 🐝, but symptoms worsen quickly.

🐶 Breeds More Susceptible

Any breed can develop strangles, but it's more common in:

• 🐕 Golden Retrievers
• 🐾 Dachshunds
• 🖤 Gordon Setters

Average age of onset: 3 weeks to 6 months old 📆.

🔬 Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually based on the puppy’s age, rapid symptom onset, and appearance. However, tests may be needed to rule out similar conditions 🧪:

1. 🔬 Skin Scraping

Used to rule out demodectic mange, which can also affect the face.

2. 🧫 Cytology (Microscope Evaluation)

Contents of pustules are examined. No bacteria are seen despite high inflammation, which suggests sterile autoimmune disease rather than infection.

3. 🧪 Skin Biopsy

Recommended in unclear cases or when treatment doesn't produce results.

💉 Treatment

1. 🧬 Immunosuppressive Therapy

High-dose corticosteroids (like prednisone) are the foundation of treatment. These drugs suppress the overactive immune system and stop the inflammatory process 🔧.

• ⏱️ Rapid improvement is usually seen within a few days
• 💊 Medications must be given for the full course prescribed

2. 💊 Antibiotics

Used to treat or prevent secondary bacterial infections caused by ruptured pustules 🦠. Antibiotics alone will not cure puppy strangles.

3. 💧 Supportive Care

• 🛏️ Keep wounds clean and dry
• 🧴 Warm compresses for draining pustules
• 🍲 Nutritional support and appetite stimulation if needed

⏳ Prognosis

• ✅ Most puppies recover fully in 10–14 days
• 📉 Rarely, permanent hair loss may occur in severely affected areas
• 🔁 Recurrence is rare after successful treatment

Early recognition and treatment prevent complications and ensure a happy, healthy puppy future 🐾.

⚠️ Why Early Treatment Matters

Delays in starting corticosteroids can lead to more severe scarring, secondary infections, and longer recovery time 🕒. Don't assume it's just a bug bite—call your vet immediately if your puppy has sudden facial swelling or crusty lesions 📞.

📲 Final Advice from Dr Duncan Houston

Puppy strangles can look scary—but with fast action and proper treatment, most pups bounce back quickly 🐶❤️. Don’t wait to treat—this condition responds best when caught early.

📱 Need help identifying symptoms, starting treatment, or caring for inflamed skin? Download the Ask A Vet App or visit AskAVet.com for expert guidance and puppy care support 24/7 🐾💬.